Rethinking your Back-to-Work Wardrobe

Well thankfully, the task at hand doesn't require any drastic changes. In fact, we'd recommend going back to the basics in terms of office kit. The camp-collar shirts and pleat shorts can be thanked for their honourable service and packed away, making space for the oxford button-downs and flannel baggies respectively. The bright, vibrant, fun-loving tones of the summer can also be given their marching orders, while more muted autumnal tones take the high ground.

With the office calling, so too then the suit, which means some fresh wool flannel suiting, with a notable mention of our new chalk-stripe Claydon navy cloth, fit for any board room. It's relaxed tailoring at its best, and perfect for the transition into autumn when temperatures can fluctuate. Combined with our new Orsman wide, pleated trousers, the flat-fronted Fishtail trousers or a more relaxed drawstring trouser, you can wear them matching or split them up as in the Italian method of 'spezzato'. 

If the suit isn't required, your back-to-work wardrobe opens up significantly, giving you the option of lightweight chore jackets, bombers with textural knits and double-knit, basic tees on rotation. Play with silhouette; pairing wide trousers with a slim-knitted polo or sleeveless V-neck tank top or cropped, boxy outerwear with slimmer, tailored trousers.

One of the key categories for back to work is shirts, naturally. For some workplaces, the classic white or pale blue spread collar will be statutory uniform, but if you are afforded more flexibility in your choice of shirt, then this season's options at Oliver Spencer offer plenty of tonal richness and fabric diversity, highlighted by styles such as our New York Special in Carding Sea Green, cut in a cotton-linen blend that will weather the summer-autumn transition, or the brushed, organic cotton of the Brook button-down Shirt in Floyd Navy, all of which pair seamlessly with our relaxed tailored jackets. Or if you want to drop it down a notch, wear them with a cardigan or beneath a crew neck sweater for a preppy look.

Similarly with footwear, if you're office doesn't demand a classic pair of Oxfords, then a pair of Paraboot's classic Michael Derby shoes helps smooth over the uniformity of a suit, while our collaboration with Solovair sees a contrast stitch loafer with a soft-suspension sole that works a treat with more laid back separates. The best thing about a back-to-work ensemble like this is that each element can easily be incorporated into your casual weekend wardrobe, too. Timeless silhouettes reimagined in contemporary ways afford you that versatility. That's what we do at Oliver Spencer.